Journaling Prompt #4 – Observing The Environment

June 4th, 2008 by Avital

This is the second prompt dealing with observations. Last week’s prompt dealt with observing people and this week’s prompt is all about observing the environment.

The environment is the setting of our stories. Whether we write fiction or non-fiction, whether we tell our own story or other people’s stories – the environment plays an important role in adding depth to the story. Adding details about the environment anchors the story and gives it a strong base.

The environment is built out of many different parts: physical surroundings, atmosphere, weather etc. The environment portrays the view coming out of your window, as well as whether you live in a big city or in a small town, whether it is winter time or summer time, whether you are in a relaxed environment or in a busy one, the time of day the story takes part in and how the environment looks different at this time. All of these details and more are part of the description of an environment.

This description can also include special traditions, culture, typical smells, colors, textures and any other little detail that makes the place unique.

This week’s prompt is to describe an environment – either your everyday surrounding or a place which is special or remarkable to you. Try to capture as much details as possible and to include as many different aspects of the environment as possible.